Karwar, February 3, 2026: Chirag Kotharkar, son of JDS leader Chaitra Kotharkar and the main accused in the Rishel D’Souza suicide case, has been remanded to two more days of police custody by the Karwar court.

The order was passed by Judge Dhanaraj after hearing the case. The next hearing has been adjourned to February 5.

Rischel D’Souza (21) allegedly died by suicide in Kadra on January 10. Her family accused Chirag of sexual harassment and rape, claiming the continuous torment led to her extreme step. Following the incident, Chirag had fled to Chennai.

After 21 days, Kadra police arrested him from Chennai and brought him back. The Christian community staged protests demanding a thorough investigation. A second post-mortem was conducted. Five days ago, Chirag was first remanded to five days of police custody. The custody has now been extended by two more days for further interrogation.

• Karwar: Rischel D’Souza’s Suicide Sparks Outrage, PSI Suspended for Negligence; Family Alleges Harassment by JD(S) Leader’s Son